French Tech @ b8ta
When Innovation meets a Software-powered Retailer
A hand-picked selection of French companies, specialized in IoT, have been chosen to participate in a unique U.S. launch from December 1st until January 31st in San Francisco, Boston and NYC.
This exclusive partnership has been coordinated by Business France with the aim of enabling French Tech companies to showcase and sell their products at top retail chain, b8ta, known for being a benchmark in software-powered retail.
The recent changes and evolutions in Retail today have paved the way for retailers to think out of the box and reshape Brick and Mortar. That is exactly what b8ta has been doing and why it has become a key player in the retail industry. Founded in 2015 in Palo Alto, the retailer oprates more than 20showrooms, making participating brands gain visibility and brand awareness.
b8ta is a software-powered retailer designed to make physical retail accessible for all. They help people discover, try, and buy new tech products while empowering makers with a simple Retail-as-a-Service model that puts them in control.
Together with La French Tech, Business France has chosen b8ta as the perfect ally to create a unique partnership with a dedicated « French Tech » corner in the famous San Francisco b8ta store in Hayes Valley during the pivotal Holiday season.
The ambition here is to promote and give access to the most innovative French Tech products
“It was only natural for Business France to partner with B8ta, the pioneer of retail-as-a-service, to bring the most innovative French Tech products to the US consumers.” explaines Florence Tison, Managing Director Tech practice Business France North America.
This exclusive showcase will highlight six brands. From fashion and love to perfume and wine… How could France be represented better?
· Aveine The first Smart Wine Aerator
· Kabuto Smart suitcases that make the difference
· Lovebox The first love note messenger
· Lunii Built the new-generation storyteller for children from 3 to 8 years old
· Maison Berger The smart mist diffuser
· Withings Built and designed innovative connected devices dedicated to health
Strategic points of sale have been selected for this partnership: San Francisco, NYC and Boston from December 1st to January 31st.
The target audience in these specific locations are highly sensitive to new technologies and their purchasing power is among one of the highest in the US.
The idea of the partnership was born during the 2019 Orange Silicon Valley Executive Summit which offered b8ta and Business France an opportunity to meet and discuss new business strategies. “Our networking at the summit was the starting point of this exciting showcase of French start-ups. Speaking on behalf of b8ta, the SVES opened new doors for us and for our partners.” Says Tina Zayas partnership manager at b8ta. “We are thankful Orange facilated this connection” adds Florence Tison.
“b8ta is excited to work with incubator companies like Business France and La French Tech to expand the reach and accessibility of their portfolio brands,” said Carrie Kelly, SVP of Partnerships and Business Development at b8ta. “Together with Business France, we have created a new entry point for brands to experience Retail as a Service through b8ta, and for customers to experience new startups. We hope this partnership will inspire new makers and entrepreneurs to launch new businesses and join us in future showcases.”
This unique partnership between Business France, la French Tech and b8ta is intended to be extended in 2020 in order to promote an increasing number of French companies willing to participate.
Who are they?
La French Tech is a unique movement bringing together French startups, investors, policymakers and community builders both in France and internationally. It’s mission? To make France one of the greatest places in the world to launch and grow global companies that build a better future.
Business France is a French government agency that promotes the development of the French economy, under the supervision of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and international development.
b8ta is a software-powered retailer designed to make physical retail accessible for all. We help people discover, try, and learn about new tech products in real life while empowering makers with a simple Retail as a Service model that puts them in control.
Orange Silicon Valley is built around a team of passionate, forward-thinking experts who thrive by connecting ecosystems and making innovation and technology visible, accessible, and actionable for the benefit of Orange’s customers and a sustainable society. For more than 20 years, we have been providing strategic insights to the Orange Group worldwide leveraging our unique understanding of the US market. Orange Silicon Valley is headquartered in San Francisco with a regional office in New York.
